Media Release - The Community of Fort Fraser Receives Funding for Replacement of Water Distribution System

November 15, 2017

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) is pleased to announce that under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, Fort Fraser has been approved for $3.1 million in federal-provincial funding for the design plan and replacement of the majority of the community’s water distribution system. This funding will allow for the project to begin immediately.

We would like to recognize the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada for their commitment to investing in projects that will improve essential services in B.C. communities. For communities such a Fort Fraser that have a low tax base, accessing funds to complete a project of this scale makes it possible to maintain a sustainable taxation rate for the community. This is an important factor in creating stability and encouraging growth in this rural community.

The awarded funds are a major contribution to the Fort Fraser Infrastructure Improvement Project, a project that is vital to the community due to the fact the current infrastructure has reached its end of useful life, creating the potential to disrupt essential water service, as well as create health and safety concerns for the community.

This project includes the development of a detailed design plan and replacement of a majority of the water distribution system in the community. The new design plan will accommodate the current user capacity and allow for future infill in the community. It will also ensure adequate firefighting services for the community.

A Request for Proposal was issued, and applications are now being reviewed. The multiphase project is estimated to begin with detailed design work in summer 2017 and construction planned for 2018.

The RDBN would also like to acknowledge the support of the Fort Fraser Local Commission, whose advocacy and commitment to their community were key factors in the successful completion of this funding application.

Quick facts

The Clean Water and Wastewater Fund provides a total of $373.6 million in senior-government funding to support rehabilitation of critical infrastructure – $225.1 million from the Government of Canada and $148.5 million from the Province of B.C.

Approved projects are cost shared 50% by the Government of Canada, 33% by the Province of British Columbia, and the remaining 17% from the local government.

In March 2017, 144 new projects received approval under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. This is in addition to the 36 projects approved in 2016.

The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

$21.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

“Investing in water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to maintaining a healthy environment and providing access to clean, reliable drinking water. The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories and municipalities across the country to support important projects like the Fort Fraser Infrastructure Improvement Project, which ensure that Canadian communities are healthy and sustainable now and for years to come.”

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Improving the quality of drinking water and the reliability of wastewater systems are critical to maintaining the health and safety of our communities. Through this funding, we are making investments in infrastructure upgrades for residents in our region in order to provide improved services for residents.”

Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

“After much hard work, it is with great pleasure that we celebrate the partnerships that have made this project possible. We are excited about the long-term benefits for the community”

Bill Miller – Board Chair RDBN

“The community of Fort Fraser is pleased to see this project underway. Safe, reliable water distribution services are essential to quality of life, and these upgrades will benefit residents for a long time to come.”